Single trip cover can vary between insurance providers. So, it's important to make sure you're reading policy documents to understand what cover you'll get.
This will also vary between providers and also if you've purchased any additional cover.
In general, though, single-trip travel insurance tends to exclude:
Standard travel insurance might not cover everything you're planning during your trip.
So, it's wise to check your policy wording. If there's anything on your trip schedule that's not included in your policy, don't worry.
You'll be able to get the tailored cover you need with a policy add-on. You can add these to your standard travel insurance policy for a fee, and include:
Psst! We know that knowing what extra coverage to get can be confusing sometimes. So, if you're ever in doubt, just reach out to your insurer. They'll be happy to help you get the cover you need. And, don't forget that any additional cover you add to your policy will increase the price. So, only add the cover you need.
Let's take a look at some of the main benefits and drawbacks of a single-trip policy:
Pre-existing medical conditions are illnesses or injuries you've been diagnosed with and treated for.
You should find you're able to get travel insurance for pre-existing conditions without any problems. Hurrah! But, you might find that your insurance is more expensive. This is because pre-existing conditions increase the risk of you needing medical care during your holiday. If you'd like more information about travelling with pre-existing conditions, you can read our guides:
Head's up—it's important to declare any medical conditions when buying insurance. If you don't and need treatment, your insurance won't cover those costs.
If you're finding it hard to get covered due to a serious condition, don't worry—options are available. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a directory of insurers who can find travel insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. You can also phone MaPS for free impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.
The cost of single-trip travel insurance depends on the nature of your trip and your personal circumstances.
For a one-off trip, single-trip travel insurance could cost:
But, if you travel often, an annual policy might be a better deal, with prices starting at £9.855.
3The cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, travelling in the UK for 2 nights. Confused.com data, June 2025.
4The cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, travelling in the US for a week. Confused.com data, June 2025.
5The cheapest price for a European annual travel insurance policy. Based on a 30-year-old with no previous medical conditions. Confused.com data, June 2025.
Let's take a closer look at some of the main factors that can impact the price of travel insurance:
Comparing single-trip travel insurance quotes is easy as can be with us. Here's how you can do it in 3 simple steps:
"It’s best to consider buying your single trip insurance policy as soon as possible after booking your holiday. That way you’re covered if something happens in the lead-up and you need to cancel your trip. Don’t leave it too late to buy – you can’t claim for any events that happen before you buy your policy."
You can usually buy travel insurance up to a year before your trip. Hooray! Some insurers let you purchase it up to 18 months in advance. So, if you've booked a holiday in the future, you might be able to find coverage options.
It's smart to look into travel insurance as soon as you've booked your trip—whether it's abroad or in the UK. This way, you're covered if the unexpected, like illness or jury duty, stops you from travelling. At the latest, aim to buy insurance before your departure date. But, getting it early can give you the peace of mind you're covered for the whole lead-up to your trip.
If you're looking for travel insurance for 2 weeks or a short 4 day trip, single-trip travel insurance should cover the duration you're looking for. Most providers offer coverage for various durations, typically ranging from 30 to 120 days or longer!
But, it's important to check your policy documents to make sure your entire trip is covered. If you’re planning to take a trip lasting between 1 to 12 months, backpackers travel insurance or long-stay insurance are great to consider. This is especially important if you're visiting multiple countries, as some single-trip policies may only cover a single destination.
And, if you’re going on more than one trip in a 12-month period, an annual travel insurance policy might be a better option. It can be more convenient and often cheaper than getting a separate policy for each trip you go on. Plus, you won't have to worry about sorting out insurance for every holiday you take! Isn't that handy?
Yes! The European Health Card (EHIC) and its replacement, the GHIC, are great to have when travelling abroad. You can still use your EHIC as long as it's still in date.
You can use the EHIC and GHIC cards to access state healthcare in the European Union (EU) for the same price as citizens of that country. In some cases you might be able to get treatment for free! If you have the GHIC, you can also get cover for certain countries outside of the EU, like Australia. But, these cards don't cover everything, which is why it's important to know that neither are a replacement for travel insurance.
The right policy can offer protection for situations your EHIC or GHIC won't, like losing your belongings. Or, needing to be returned home to the UK for treatment. Without insurance, these expenses can add up and potentially cost you thousands of pounds—especially if you're travelling internationally.
Top tip: Consider combining the benefits of the GHIC or EHIC with a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This way, you'll be able to travel with the confidence you've got cover in place.
Yes, where you're going can impact the cost of travel insurance. For instance, travel insurance for the USA or Canada is often more expensive than travel insurance for European destinations like Spain or France. This is because medical care tends to be pricier in places like the USA, and international trips can often bring a higher risk of claims.
If you're travelling to multiple countries, you can usually include them all under one single-trip policy. But, like we've mentioned, some single-trip policies only cover travel to a single destination. So, just make sure all the destinations you plan to visit are listed in your policy's details before you buy.
Excess might sound tricky, but it's actually pretty simple! It's divided into 2 types: compulsory and voluntary. Here's a quick breakdown:
Want to skip paying excess altogether? You can opt for no excess travel insurance. This means that in most cases, you won't have to worry about paying back any part of a claim you make. But, it could mean that your insurance policy premium is higher.
You've got options! You can buy family travel insurance or group travel insurance. You can even get travel insurance for couples. There's plenty of flexibility, it all just depends on who you're travelling with.
Sometimes, a joint policy can save you money. But, keep in mind that if anyone has a medical condition, it might raise the price for everyone. It's a good idea to compare the costs of joint and individual policies to see which one gives the best value.
It's not a legal requirement and any medical treatment you need is covered by the NHS. So, technically, no—you don't need to get it.
That said, travel insurance can still be a smart idea. It covers more than just medical expenses. For example it could help you out if you had to cancel your trip unexpectedly.
One thing to keep in mind: Travel insurance might not cover you unless you're a certain distance from home or are away for a minimum number of nights.
Means you can get one policy that covers everyone, rather than buying individual policies.
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